March 10, famous Russian social and political activist, journalist, long-term political prisoner Mikhail Khodorkovsky read a lecture at NTUU "KPI". The meeting, which was originally scheduled to be held in the hall of the Academic Council, has caused so much interest that it was moved to the Center of Culture and Arts University.
However, even a concert hall MSC could not accommodate all those wishing to communicate with the guest. Not only students and teachers of the KPI, but also, it seems, all those interested in the problems which is facing Ukraine in its relations with the Russian Federation, came to listen Mikhail Khodorkovsky, whom many associated with the "Other Russia", that is, that Russia, which can not be given to psychosis official propaganda and remains committed to democratic values,
At the outset, Mikhail Khodorkovsky said that he came to the student audience because he believes that students, teachers and, in general, the cultural elite is one of the main driving forces of democratic change of any state. And he will be talking as a representative of the Russian society, or rather that part of it which advocates genuine and not imaginary Russia's national interests. Therefore he warned that some of his views may not exactly reflect the views of the audience, but to know them, it would probably be useful to it. However, he said: "What is happening now in Ukraine, it is important not only for her, but for Russia, so my lecture called" For your and our freedom. "
In his lecture, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, was talking about his solidarity with the people of Ukraine, its support for its democratic aspirations and of his right to defend its national interests, including by force of arms.
However, in his lecture, he warned of the danger of activating the radical forces that can cause damage in the process of solving the acute problems faced today Ukrainian people. Because radicalization, especially in such sensitive issues as language, only divides society, making it weaker and more sensitive to external hostile influences.
He also noted that beginning of the expansion in the Crimea, the Russian authorities abruptly withdrew from the existing international legal framework. Russian state put itself against the international community and resorted to the practice of settling territorial disputes by methods of the nineteenth century. "This step will be serious consequences for the whole world and for Russia", - said Mikhail Khodorkovsky. According to him, it is possible that in the future someone can use technology, which Russia is now accumulating in the Crimea, against itself. In his view, the Crimea must remain a part of the Ukrainian state, but with a large degree of autonomy, such as one that has Scotland as part of the UK. Especially because with a historical perspective, let's say, Sevastopol is a city not only Russian, but also Ukrainian glory.
"But now the Crimea became a problem for decades, and it must be addressed, - said Mikhail Khodorkovsky. - Perhaps, for this would be useful to convene an international conference with a broad representation of smart and experienced leaders of our time, the moral authority. The conference would help to overcome the conflict and its inevitable consequences. "
Khodorkovsky spoke about the Ukrainian revolution and its implications for Russia and the whole of Europe; that Ukraine had an opportunity to set an example of democratic reforms in the region, including for Russia; the need to develop in a large European humanist tradition; the importance of building trust to Ukrainian authorities, and therefore - the need to ensure the legitimacy of its future actions and, especially, of the fair transparent elections, etc. ..
Much attention he also paid to the role of culture media in Russia and Ukraine, their communication and cooperation, as well as value orientations of modern society in transition.
"The success of democratic reforms in Ukraine - it is the prologue to create a new Russia - the country of justice and democratic values," - said, finishing the lecture, Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
Finally, he answered a number of questions, sometimes quite severe, from the hall. The participants were interested in his attitude to the representatives of the former Ukrainian opposition who are now the government; his position to some aspects of the Crimean events; possibilities of Russian business representatives to influence Putin etc. .. Some of the questions were submitted to the Presidium in the form of notes, so Mikhail Khodorkovsky promised to answer them on their pages on social networks.